How can bedbugs be killed using folk remedies? - briefly
Applying diatomaceous earth, high heat (≥ 50 °C), and essential‑oil sprays such as tea tree, lavender, or peppermint can incapacitate and kill bedbugs on contact. Rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and a baking‑soda paste applied to cracks, seams, and infested surfaces also serve as effective traditional treatments.
How can bedbugs be killed using folk remedies? - in detail
Traditional home remedies can reduce or eradicate bedbug infestations when applied correctly.
Sprinkling diatomaceous earth on mattress seams, baseboards, and carpet edges creates a desiccating barrier. Fine‑grade, food‑grade product works best; leave it for 48 hours, then vacuum.
Essential oils act as contact insecticides and repellents. A solution of 20 drops of tea‑tree oil, 15 drops of lavender oil, and 15 drops of peppermint oil mixed with 250 ml of water can be sprayed onto fabric surfaces and cracks. Reapply every 24 hours for a week.
Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher) kills bugs on contact. Soak a cloth in alcohol, wipe infested areas, and allow rapid evaporation. Avoid using on plastic that may degrade.
Heat treatment eliminates all life stages. Raise room temperature to at least 50 °C (122 °F) for a minimum of 90 minutes, ensuring heat penetrates mattress cores, box springs, and furniture. Use a calibrated thermometer to verify temperatures.
Freezing small items (clothing, luggage) at –18 °C (0 °F) for 72 hours destroys eggs and adults. Seal objects in plastic bags to prevent condensation.
Baking soda and salt can be spread thinly on floor seams and left for several days; they irritate the insects and may cause dehydration. Vacuum thoroughly afterward.
Vinegar (5 % acetic acid) disrupts the protective wax on the bug’s exoskeleton. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray directly onto visible insects, and repeat daily.
Neem oil, diluted to 2 % in water, works as a growth inhibitor. Apply the mixture to cracks and crevices; monitor for reduced hatch rates over two weeks.
All remedies require thorough preparation: launder bedding at 60 °C, declutter to expose hiding spots, and maintain dry conditions to prevent re‑infestation. Combining multiple methods increases success rates, but professional chemical treatment may still be necessary for severe cases.